Bali is a perennially hot destination, but lately, it seems to be a victim of its own success with millions of tourists, Instagram-worthy cafés, and snarls of traffic. Still, if you do your research, you’ll come across a hidden gem that combines the best of modern Bali with hints of the compelling culture and nature that first attracted visitors. We checked into the recently opened Anantara Ubud Bali Resort to seek respite.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of Anantara Ubud Bali Resort
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: Anantara Ubud Bali Resort
Address: Jalan Raya Puhu No. 88, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali 80572, Indonesia
Number of rooms: 85 rooms, suites and pool villas
Brand: Anantara Hotels & Resorts, part of Minor Hotels
Year opened: 2024
Style: Contemporary tropical luxury with rainforest views, Balinese influences and tranquil natural surroundings
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, wellness retreats, nature lovers, families and travellers seeking a secluded luxury escape
Wellness facilities: Anantara Spa, fitness centre, yoga deck, heated infinity pools and wellness experiences
Family amenities: Kids’ club, teens’ club, children’s pool and family-friendly accommodation options
Prices starting from: £200 per night, depending on room and season.
Your tropic hideaway
The lobby sets the scene for an enchanting stay
Central Ubud may be extremely busy – and touristy – but nestled in the untouched tropical jungles about an hour’s drive north, the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is a tranquil oasis where guests can enjoy every creature comfort while exploring parts of Bali’s local culture, history, and nature away from the crowds. (There’s a complimentary shuttle bus if you do fancy exploring the shops, bars, and restaurants of Ubud).
The first hints of the resort’s nod to local heritage appear as I arrive from the airport, driving through country lanes that wind through lush green rice paddies and traditional houses featuring local architectural entryways made from stone. The second moment of cultural immersion comes in the resort’s lobby. Guests are welcomed by the soothing gong-like music of a towering “gameltron” – an automated installation modelled on a Balinese gamelan instrument – and whiffs of frangipani from the surrounding vegetation.
Ensconced on a daybed, with dense forests as far as the eye can see, I’m welcomed to the resort with a local drink and ritual before efficient staff check me in and whisk me off to my villa. Minutes into the stay, I can feel the tension leach from my body as it slips under the spell of the total tranquillity of silence and unbroken natural landscapes.
Villa escape
Anantara Ubud Bali boasts 85 well-appointed suites and pool villas, each rendered with light, modern interpretations of Hindu traditions and Javanese style. My One-Bedroom Forest View Pool Villa is a welcoming, restful oasis dressed in soothing tones whites, cream, and rich textures of wood, stone, and marble.
It’s all about living the good life in the One Bedroom Forest View Pool Villa
The spacious lounge area is designed for relaxation and socialising with plenty of cosy seating and a sturdy four-seater dining table. Through sliding doors, the well-appointed bedroom is designed for a great night’s sleep – the oversized king-sized bed is incredibly comfortable – or, as the handy table in the corner will attest, a long afternoon’s work. One of the villa’s walls is completely glass, so while here, I enjoy plenty of natural light, mesmerising views of the lush green forest outside, and quick dips in the private infinity pool on the villa’s terrace.
Even the spacious bathroom is a treat. A standalone bath sits between a stone feature wall and a long double vanity featuring locally-made copper sinks – a good soak with a cup of tea is the perfect way to end each day.
Dining
You certainly won’t go hungry while at Anantara Ubud Bali.
I begin each morning on the terrace of Kirana, enjoying a hearty breakfast while basking in panoramas of mist-covered forests – it’s a thoroughly meditative experience. Breakfast begins with Indonesian treats and coffee while mains – the eggs benedict are on point – are made to order. At dinner, there’s a range of international and authentic Indonesian dishes on offer – the Babi Kirana (crispy suckling pig) and Rendang Daging (braised beef curry) are must-tries.
For something a little more lavish, Amerta offers a relaxed approach to fine-dining with contemporary dishes that fuse Indonesian and European flavours. The dinner degustation menu includes a flavourfully piquant citrus-cured red snapper with avocado, yuzu dressing, and green chilli; a decadent seared foie gras escalope with pineapple jam, cape gooseberries, and passionfruit; and a grilled Tokusen Wagyu sirloin that’s grilled to medium-rare perfection and served with star anise beef jus.
The al-fresco Sulang Bar, which sits by the resort’s adults-only pool, is a great spot to while away the afternoon while enjoying casual poolside lunches (the fried chicken burger is the perfect treat during an afternoon of work) and cocktails on sunloungers, and is the best place to watch the sun go down with a well-made cocktail in hand.
Wellness
Pool time is always a good time
Wellbeing is never an afterthought with Anantara and in Bali, there are plenty of ways to work on your wellness. Every morning, I squeeze in a gym session in the pristine gym; each afternoon, I take a dip in the main pool and read under red umbrellas while taking in more calming jungle views.
Of course, there’s an Anantara Spa offering locally-inspired treatments in ambient surroundings. I slip in one evening for a Taksu Massage, the spa’s signature Balinese ritual, which combines Shiatsu, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, and Balinese techniques, and leave without an ounce of stress – ideal for a great sleep that night.
Of course, you have to indulge in some spa treatments during your stay
Guests can also enjoy signature experiences that help them connect with Balinese life and culture. One afternoon, I went Subak trekking to explore the lush rice paddies next to the resort and got a glimpse of traditional local farming practices. The next morning, I made the drive to Mengening Temple – a structure that dates back to 1022AD – for a traditional water purification ritual in its sacred springs. Many tourists in Bali take part in this local tradition, but Anantara Ubud Bali has chosen this particular Temple to avoid crowds and enjoy a more local experience – when I arrived, I was the only foreigner, and we had the place to ourselves for about 15 minutes.
Getting there and around
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort is located in Payangan, in the lush highlands north of central Ubud. The resort is approximately 50km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, with the drive typically taking around two to three hours depending on traffic. Private transfers can be arranged directly through the hotel, with several vehicle options available for couples, families and larger groups. Given Bali’s sometimes congested roads, particularly around Denpasar and the island’s southern resorts, it’s worth allowing plenty of time for your arrival and departure transfers.
The resort is set away from Ubud’s busy centre, making it ideal for travellers seeking peace and immersion in nature. A complimentary shuttle connects guests with central Ubud, subject to the hotel’s schedule, while private drivers are useful for exploring further afield. Nearby attractions include the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple and Mount Batur, although journey times will depend on traffic and the destination. For a more relaxed stay, consider arranging excursions through the hotel.
Final thoughts
Visitors to Bali are spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels, but for returning travellers yearning for the charming, unspoilt Bali of decades ago, and some peace far from the raucous partying of Kuta et al., Anantara Ubud Bali Resort offers blissful respite.
Discover more about Anantara Ubud Bali Resort or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Bali?
The best area depends on the kind of holiday you're looking for. Ubud is ideal for travellers interested in Balinese culture, temples, rice terraces, wellness retreats and jungle scenery. Seminyak appeals to those seeking stylish hotels, restaurants, shopping and beach clubs, while Canggu is popular for surfing, cafés and a lively social scene. Uluwatu is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, surf breaks and sunset views, while Sanur offers a more relaxed seaside atmosphere.
For a varied first trip, consider splitting your stay between Ubud and a coastal destination rather than trying to explore the entire island from one hotel.
Is Ubud a good place to stay in Bali?
Yes. Ubud is one of Bali's most rewarding destinations for travellers interested in culture, nature and wellness. The area is known for its rice terraces, Hindu temples, traditional arts, yoga studios, spas and surrounding rainforest. It's also a good base for visiting waterfalls, rural villages and volcanic landscapes.
Unlike Bali's coastal resorts, Ubud doesn't have a beach, but its lush scenery and cultural attractions offer a different kind of island experience.
How many days should you spend in Ubud?
Three to four nights is a good starting point for most visitors. This gives you time to explore Ubud's temples and markets, visit the rice terraces, discover local crafts and enjoy a spa treatment or two without rushing.
If you're staying at a secluded resort such as Anantara Ubud, consider four or five nights so you can combine excursions with time enjoying the hotel's facilities. Travellers interested in hiking, photography, cooking classes and more extensive cultural exploration could comfortably spend a week in the region.
How many days should you spend in Bali?
For a first visit, seven to fourteen days is ideal. A week allows you to combine Ubud with one coastal destination, while ten to fourteen days gives you time to explore several parts of the island at a more relaxed pace.
For example, spend four nights in Ubud exploring temples, rice terraces and rainforest landscapes, followed by four or five nights in Uluwatu, Seminyak or Sanur for beaches, restaurants and coastal excursions. With two weeks, you could also consider Sidemen, Munduk or the Nusa Islands.
Remember that driving distances can be deceptive because traffic often makes journeys longer than expected.
What is the best time of year to visit Bali?
Bali is a year-round destination, but the dry season, generally from April to October, is the most popular period for outdoor activities and beach holidays. May, June and September are particularly appealing because they often offer a good balance of favourable weather and fewer crowds than July and August.
The wet season, usually from November to March, brings more frequent rain and higher humidity, but the island's landscapes are beautifully green. It's also a good time to focus on spa treatments, cultural experiences and relaxed resort stays, although outdoor excursions may need to be adjusted around the weather.
Is Ubud worth visiting during the rainy season?
Yes. Ubud's rainforest, rice terraces and tropical gardens can look particularly lush during the wetter months. It's also an excellent destination for spa treatments, yoga, cooking classes, temple visits and cultural experiences.
However, expect heavier showers, especially later in the day, and allow flexibility in your itinerary. Trails can become slippery, and rain may affect outdoor activities. A hotel with excellent indoor facilities, a spa, restaurants and a swimming pool can make a rainy-season stay more enjoyable.
How do you get around Ubud?
Ubud is best explored using a combination of walking and private transport. Central Ubud has plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions within walking distance, but traffic can be heavy, and pavements are not always continuous.
For excursions beyond the centre, hiring a private driver is a convenient option, particularly if you want to visit several places in one day. Ride-hailing services, such as Grab and Gojek may also be available, although local restrictions and pickup arrangements can vary. If you're staying outside town, check whether your hotel provides a shuttle, as this can make a significant difference to the overall cost and convenience of your stay.
But wait, there’s more…
- These are the best hotel swimming pools in Bali
- Find out why we adore these boutique Bali hotels
- And these are our fave eco-friendly Bali hotels
